Is the Ultra Sheer Dry‑Touch Sunscreen safe for sensitive or acne‑prone skin?

The formula relies on chemical filters and preservatives like phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, which can trigger irritation in very sensitive or acne‑prone skin, so a patch test is advised before full‑face application.

What is the role of Avobenzone in this sunscreen?

Avobenzone is a UVA filter that absorbs long‑wave ultraviolet light, helping to prevent premature skin aging and sunburn caused by UVA exposure while complementing the UVB filters in the blend.

How often should I apply this sunscreen and does it contain any controversial ingredients?

Apply a generous layer 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating; the product contains chemical UV filters and preservatives, which some consumers consider controversial compared with mineral filters like zinc oxide.

Neutrogena • 3.0 oz. (88 mL)

Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Suncare

Product Insights

The Ultra Sheer Dry‑Touch Sunscreen by Neutrogena is a 3‑ounce facial sunscreen formulated with a blend of chemical UV filters including Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate and Octocrylene to provide broad‑spectrum protection. It offers a lightweight, non‑greasy dry‑touch finish that many users find comfortable under makeup, and the formula is palm‑oil‑free. However, the product contains several synthetic ingredients such as phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin and various polymers that can irritate sensitive skin, and its vegan status is not confirmed.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned in the drugstore segment, this sunscreen competes with other ultra‑sheer, broad‑spectrum facial sunscreens by emphasizing a dry‑touch feel and a high filter load while remaining palm‑oil‑free.

Ingredients

Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%) Inactive ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Camauba) Wax Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Silica, Triacontanyl PVP, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Methicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Jojoba Esters, Trideceth-6, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice Treez

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